Abstract

Stereoscopic display technologies have seen wide spread application in entertainment and gaming contexts through their ability to intensify the perception of depth. However, their potential for enhancing the development and application of spatial knowledge within a 3D space is not as certain. Existing research suggests that stereoscopic displays can contribute both positively and negatively to the process of spatial cognition within 3D virtual environments. In order to explore this issue, a study comparing experience with binocular parallax stereoscopic displays to standard monoscopic displays was undertaken using a 3D virtual environment that required users to complete tasks using spatial cues. Findings suggested that spatial experience with binocular parallax stereoscopic displays and standard monoscopic displays was comparable in terms of effectiveness, though the experience was subjective and many participants found that binocular parallax stereoscopy created a strong emotional response.